The Senior Central Service Technician performs all duties to include providing sterile instrumentation and trays to the Department of Surgery and other hospital departments. The position will work under the direction of the Sterile Processing Manager to assist with the coordination and implementation of surgical instrument processing and work flow. The position will also work with the medical and nursing staff to assure the operating room has the necessary instrumentation so that the surgical cases operate efficiently and on time. Acts as the liaison when the manager/supervisor’s is not available to make the appropriate decisions for the good of the department.

Essential Job Functions

Decontaminates and inspects surgical instruments. Wears Protective Attire (PPE) - Standard Precautions Checks detergent level per shift Visually inspects instruments and trays to determine if pre-soaking is indicated Uses tongs or forceps to remove instruments from basins Inserts proper sized brush to clean channels of cannulated instrumentation Chooses proper decontamination equipment (i.e. washer decontaminator) Arranges instruments trays, and basins to facilitate proper cleaning Selects proper cycle Cleans and decontaminates reusable patient equipment Cleans all surfaces with approved equipment Inspects electrical cords for graying or other safety hazards Ensures component parts are returned with equipment Removes any damaged equipment or equipment requiring safety checks from use Reassembles equipment and places in proper storage area Assembles instrument trays Visually examines instruments for remaining debris Visually examines instruments for functionality Arranges instruments to allow sterilant penetration Ensures instrument tray is complete Wraps instrument tray or places instruments in proper sterilization container Uses proper size and type of sterilization wrap Inserts chemical indicator/integrator in tray Performs proper wrapping and taping technique Records pertinent information on autoclavable tape/form Places paper filter properly in sterilization container Affixes load sticker to wrapped tray or container Operates sterilizers per department procedure Loads sterilizer rack in manner to allow sterilant penetration and moisture removal Records load contents on sterilizer card/form Places biological indicator in required sterilizer loads Selects proper cycle Examines sterilizer printout to ensure mechanical parameters of sterilization are met Signs full name to sterilizer printout Allows adequate time for proper cooling of sterilizer contents prior to removal from chamber Unloads sterilizer contents and places in proper storage area Performs biological monitoring and recordkeeping of sterilization cycles (steam, eto, sterrad) Interprets and logs biological results in a timely manner If applicable, records information on Implantable Load Form and returns form to Department of Surgery Maintains Inventory Control (linen, supplies) Assures adequate stock is maintained Places increase/decrease orders to linen room staff Stocks re-usable linen in appropriate location Places orders for stock and non-stock supplies Retrieves soiled/used equipment and instruments per established schedule (minimum 3 times daily) Conducts Steris System I E diagnostic test daily as appropriate. Tests unit in SPD Completes and maintains record Prepares loan/consign instruments Receives/documents items Inspects/decontaminated instruments Assembles appropriate instrumentation Sterilizes/delivers to OR for use Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R. Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized Retrieves soiled carts/instruments following the procedures from the OR Uses proper etiquette when answering phones Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts on weekends

Specialty Essential Functions

Assist Manager/supervisor with staff development. Assist in coordinating the functions of the Continuous Improvement Board. Assuring orientation and competency files are complete and organized. Educating staff on any new instrumentation or procedures. Maintains a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care providers to achieve desired patient outcomes and assure a continuous flow of patient care. Communicates pertinent information for interdisciplinary patient care conferences, shift reports. Reports changes in the OR schedule, including the need to reassess the needs of the physicians & the OR staff, confers with the OR CNC when there is a need to alert the physician. Participates in the unit performance improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer services. Assists in data collection process as requested. Recommends modifications for performance improvement. Assist Manager with daily functions of the department. Review daily sterilization and biological logs for accuracy. Assign a staff member to be responsible for coordinating instrumentation for surgical cases daily. Assist in coordinating the staffing schedule including communication and posting of schedule. Work side by side with the Manager/supervisor of Central Service on developing policies and procedures. Assist manager/supervisor with related human resource functions as needed. Assist manager/supervisor by providing input on staff performance for periodic performance reviews. Be a liaison for the department in the manager’s/supervisor’s absence. Demonstrates leadership abilities by utilizing the concepts inherent to the practice of credo standards. Demonstrates an ability to solve problems independently and seeks assistance form immediate supervisor when appropriate. Maintains accountability for actions taken. Effectively functions as a resource person. Acts as a patient advocate. Performs effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hires and/or students. Assists in the department's compliance with State, JCAHO, OSHA and other regulatory agencies. Participates in preparation for continuous survey readiness for inspections and surveys/ Adheres to the infection control process, including universal precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections. Conducts Steris System I E diagnostic test daily as appropriate. Tests unit in SPD Completes and maintains records Prepares loan/consign instruments. Receives/documents items. Inspects/decontaminated instruments. Assembles appropriate instrumentation. Sterilizes/delivers to OR for use. Assumes staffing responsibility (add or reduce according to OR schedule) Create staff time schedules where applicable Delivers additional trays and supplies to O.R. Performs housekeeping functions - keeps area neat and organized Retrieves soiled carts/instruments following the procedures from the OR Uses proper etiquette when answering phones Cleans sterilizer chambers and carts on weekends Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education. One (1) to Three (3) years’ experience in Surgical/or Central Service. Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment. Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

License, Certification & Clearances

Must currently hold one of the following certifications: Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) or International Association for HealthCare Central Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM). Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system Act 81 Compliance

Preferred Qualifications

These are job related enhancements that are preferred or would benefit the performance outcome of the job but are not essential or required for the job to exist.

Expert knowledge in sterile processing, surgical instruments and sterile technique. Certified Registered Central Service Tech (CRCST) through the International Association for Healthcare Service Materials Management (IAHCSMM) or Certified Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

The above job descriptive information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, as an employee may be assigned other duties other than described in this document.

 

Met

Not met

N/A

Explanatory Statement

House Bill 81 of 2019 The Central Service Technician and Surgical Technologist Regulation Act 

Enacted 10/29/2020 – Effective 12/29/2020 (See attached HB for definitions for Central service technician

 and Surgical technologist)

Section 301: Certification Central Service Technician (CST) hired after 12/29/2020 must:

 

 

 

 

Pass a nationally accredited central service exam for CST AND maintain one of the following:      Certified registered central service technician credential      OR      Certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential

 

 

 

 

Exemption:  Law does not apply to an individual who has been employed or otherwise contracted for services as a central service technician by a health care facility on or before December 29, 2020. Exemption Requirement: the facility shall maintain documentation of the CST’s date of employment or the contract period when the central service technician provided services to the facility to verify that the CST meets the exemption requirements. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 302: Employment and continuing education

(a) New employees - CST has 18 months from date of hire to pass a nationally accredited central service exam for CST and obtain one of the two credentials noted above.

 

 

 

 

(b) Continuing education - Annually complete 10 hours of continuing education. (NOTE: The continuing education required under this subsection shall be in areas related to the functions of a central service technician.)

 

 

 

 

(c) Facility responsibility - Facility must maintain documentation the CST meets the certification requirements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 501:

Surgical Technologist (ST) must meet at least one of the following:-

Successful completion of a Surgical Technologist program sponsored by an entity holding nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and hold and maintains a ST certification from an accredited certification program.  [501(1)(i)] *

OR

-Successful completion of appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force.

OR

-Provides evidence of an ST certification from an accredited certification program.

OR

  -Was employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before December 29, 2020. 

OR

-Was employed to practice surgical technology as the individual's primary function in another health care facility at any time during the two years immediately preceding December 29, 2020. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 502: Continuing education:

(a) An ST employed or contracted with the facility and not certified under section 501(1)(i) or has let the individual's certification lapse shall:

(1) with the continuing education requirements specified by the credentialing organization as necessary to keep the certification current and (2) provide proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements to the facility. 

 

 

 

 

(b) Additional Requirement - An ST employed or contracted with the facility and not certified under section 501(1)(i) or has let the individual's certification lapse shall:

       (1) complete 30 hours of relevant continuing education every two years in order to remain eligible to practice surgical technology; and (2) be responsible for proving, to the satisfaction of the health care facility, that the individual complies with this subsection.

 

 

 

 

(c) Verification-- A facility that employs or contracts with an ST shall verify the ST meets the continuing education requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 503. Exception.  A facility may employ or contract an ST who does not meet the requirements of section 501 to practice surgical technology if:

(1) after a diligent and thorough effort has been made, the facility is unable to employ or contract with a sufficient number of qualified STs who meet the requirements of section 501; and (2) the health care facility makes a written record of its efforts under (1) and retains the record at the facility.

 

 

 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.). Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

 

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Extreme Cold

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Heights

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Confined Spaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Extreme Noise(>85dB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Mechanical Hazards

x

 

 

 

x

 

 

Use of Vibrating Tools

x

 

 

 

x

 

 

Operates Vehicle (company)

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Operates Heavy Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Rotates All Shifts

x

 

x

 

 

 

 

8 Hours Shifts

x

 

x

 

 

 

 

10-12 Hours Shifts

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

On-Call

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hrs/wk)

 

x

 

 

 

x

 

Travel Between Sites

 

x

 

 

 

x

 

Direct Patient Care

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Respirator Protective Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Eye Protection

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Head Protection (hard hat)

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Hearing Protection

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Hand Protection

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Feet, Toe Protection

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Body Protection

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Latex Exposure

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Solvent Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Paint (direct use) Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Dust (sanding) Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Ethylene Oxide Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Blood/Body Fluid Exposure

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Chemicals (direct use) Exposure

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Mist Exposure

 

x

 

 

 

x

 

Wax Stripper (direct use)

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Ionizing Radiation Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Laser Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

 

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Bending (Stooping)

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Sitting

 

x

 

 

x

 

 

Walking

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Climbing Stairs

 

x

 

 

 

x

 

Climbing Ladders

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Standing

x

 

x

 

 

 

 

Kneeling

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Squatting (Crouching)

 

x

 

 

 

x

 

Twisting/Turning

 

 

 

 

 

x

 

Keyboard/Computer Operation

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Gross Grasp

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Fine Finger Manipulation

x

 

 

 

x

 

 

Hand/Arm Coordination

x

 

 

 

x

 

 

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)

x

 

 

 

X 10#

 

 

Carry

x

 

 

 

X 10#

 

 

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Seeing Near w/Acuity

x

 

x

 

 

 

 

Feeling (Sensation)

 

x

 

 

 

x

 

Color Vision

 

x

 

 

x

 

 

Hearing Clearly

x

 

x

 

 

 

 

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead

x

 

 

 

 

x

 

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

x

 

 

 

x

 

 

Reaching Forward

x

 

 

x

 

 

 

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

x

 

 

 

10#

20#

 

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

x

 

 

 

 

10#

 

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

 

x

 

 

 

10#

 

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.